My Unique Skill [Gacha] Will Save the World - Episode 35: First Companion

Episode 35: First Companion

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Yada-san.”

When Rindou arrived at the port, Kyousuke was already there waiting for him.

“I just arrived a little while ago, so don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you for today. Is everything okay with your work?”

Rindou assumed that Kyousuke was accompanying him as part of his job. So he asked. However, the answer Kyousuke gave was unexpected.

“I’m off today.”

“Eh!? W-Well, I feel bad about this!”

Rindou had thought that Kyousuke was accompanying him as part of his work. So he was surprised to hear that it was his day off.

“Ahaha, it’s fine! Actually, yesterday I was so inspired by your performance, Rindou-kun. I thought, ‘I have to accompany him, even if it means giving up my day off.'”

Kyousuke had already retired from his player career. But he was still young enough to be active if not for his injuries. Inspired by Rindou’s outstanding performance as a new player, it was only natural for Kyousuke to want to try being a player again.

“I’m sorry for bothering you.”

“Bothering me? Don’t be silly! I asked to come with you, so there’s no way it’s a bother! In fact, I’m more worried that I might be causing you trouble, Rindou-kun.”

“That’s impossible! Who do you think carried all those drop items?”

Rindou shrugged as he said this. And Kyousuke realized he had been outwitted. He gave a wry smile and shrugged in return.

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

“Thank you for today. I’ll be in your care, Yada-san.”

They both laughed and exchanged a smile, and Rindou extended his hand. However, Kyousuke looked at his hand and made a suggestion.

“Hey, Rindou-kun. Could you call me Kyousuke instead?”

“Eh!? But you’re a senior, so calling you by your first name feels a bit……”

“Is that not okay?”

Kyousuke looked very disappointed when Rindou refused. Rindou felt guilty upon seeing his face. Since Kyousuke kept looking at him like that, Rindou reluctantly gave in.

“…Alright, fine! Just stop looking at me like that!”

“Thank you! And also, no honorifics!”

“Eh!? T-That’s a bit much!”

“Honorifics make things more complicated. And when we need to alert each other about danger, they can waste time.”

Kyousuke’s tone was initially playful. But now, as a senior player, he was making a serious request.

“If we’re solo, we can use any tone we like. But if we’re in a party, we need to focus on surviving and do our best.”

“Ugh!… Fine, I get it.”

“You got it, right?”

“…Fine! Is that enough for you?!”

At this point, Rindou realized that he had no choice but to accept the situation. He began speaking to Kyousuke casually, as he usually did.

“That’s the way it is!”

“…Hmm? Wait a second, if that’s the case, why are *you* using honorifics, Kyousuke?”

“It’s just a habit of mine, so don’t mind it.”

“………I don’t get it.”

“Is that so? Anyway, let’s get going.”

Rindou felt like he had been swept up in Kyousuke’s pace. But he still shared the desire to move quickly, so he reluctantly started walking.

In front of Warehouse No. 7, another male security guard stood watch. And when he saw Kyousuke and Rindou, a look of surprise appeared on his face.

“…G-Good work.”

“Ah, good work. I’m going in with him today.”

“Yada-senpai, you too?”

“Yeah. I’ll be with him for the whole day.”

“…I-I see.”

The security guard gave a noncommittal response and then allowed the two of them to enter Warehouse No. 7.

“……..That guy was a little cold.”

“He’s always like that. Do you think he dislikes me?”

“I don’t think anyone dislikes Kyousuke.”

“Huh? What’s that, Rindou-kun? Are you complimenting me?”

“I’ve only known you for a short time, but I think I’ve got a good sense of who you are.”

Rindou had simply spoken his honest thoughts. But for some reason, Kyousuke froze and stopped walking.

“…What’s wrong?”

“…Rindou-kun. How can you say things like that so easily, without any embarrassment?”

“That’s definitely an insult, isn’t it, senpai?”

“No way! I just thought you were cool!”

Kyousuke laughed and tried to explain. But Rindou gave him a side-eye with an annoyed look.

“…Okay, let’s get inside quickly! I’ll do my best!”

“…Well, fine.”

Kyousuke had seemed very serious during work. But now he seemed a bit playful. Which made Rindou think that this might be the real him.

(Well, no matter what, I still trust him.)

With a wry smile on his face, Rindou followed Kyousuke into the door.

—

“—…… yes, yes, I’m in, really now, yes.”

Once the two of them disappeared inside the door, the male security guard immediately contacted someone.

“But a C-rank player is with them……… W-Well, understood! Yes!”

The security guard was suddenly yelled at over the phone. It caused him to hurriedly head towards the security room.

“There’s no way……. I never thought I’d actually have to use that…”

Muttering to himself while trembling, the security guard couldn’t hide the grin that crept onto his face.

“…Hehe, he was always so condescending, so annoying. If I’m going to do this, I might as well…….. hehe!”

With an eerie laugh escaping his lips, the security guard began preparing, just as he was instructed over the phone.